Abstract

This paper focuses on issues of urbanization from the perspective of the social sciences. It elaborates on the importance of the social sciences in urban studies and argues approaches to achieving comprehensive development. The focus of the study is on developing countries, particularly China, that are experiencing rapid urbanization, growth, and development. In this study, the case of China is examined with the aim of demonstrating unforeseen challenges of urbanization in such contexts. This study then explores comprehensive solutions of global concern. By examining China’s new urbanization plan, the study discusses possible routes towards comprehensive development. Furthermore, this study will argue the importance of urbanism in urbanization and development and how it can be supported by the application of the social sciences. The knowledge transfer from the social sciences to the built environment is discussed as an approach to tackle issues of urbanization in the developing world. Finally, this paper argues methods of enhancing the quality and values of urbanism as part of the process of urbanization.